Margarita R. Seminario

Margarita R. Seminario is deputy director and senior fellow with the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Her specific research interests include international development, governance and the rule of law, transparency and accountability, and political participation of frequently marginalized groups including women, youth, and indigenous people.

Ms. Seminario is a democracy and governance specialist, with more than 20 years of experience, who has dedicated herself to promoting strong and resilient institutions and encouraging citizen participation and engagement. Ms. Seminario has worked with international development implementers (International Foundation for Electoral Systems, IREX, Chemonics International, the Center for International Development of the State University of New York) and with the House Democracy Partnership of the U.S. House of Representatives, liaising with 15 partner legislatures organizing peer-to-peer exchanges. Ms. Seminario holds a master’s degree in comparative public administration and development from the University at Albany. She is fluent in Spanish and has working knowledge of French and Italian.